Newsletter Term 3 _ Week10_2025
Principal's Report
Dear Members of the St John’s Catholic College Community,
At St John’s Catholic College, our mission is to nurture young people who are strong in faith, committed to learning, and ready to serve others. A vital part of achieving this mission is cultivating a strong and positive school culture; one that reflects respect, responsibility, and a genuine care for each other.
One of the simplest yet most powerful ways we can strengthen our culture is through punctuality. Arriving at school and to class on time is about more than just keeping to a timetable, it communicates respect for learning, for teachers, and for peers. Every minute lost to lateness is a minute taken away from growth, discovery, and opportunity. Over the course of a year, even small amounts of lost time accumulate into significant gaps in learning. Five minutes late to each class, compounds to missing 8+ days of school over the course of the academic year, resulting in substantial hidden absenteeism.
As a Catholic community, we believe in the dignity of each person. Being punctual honours not only our own learning but also the learning of those around us. It allows classes to begin smoothly, with every student present, engaged, and ready to participate fully. Our expectation is that all students have arrived at school by 8:40am at the latest. Being punctual and fully participating in morning Homeroom is expected. We ask all Parents and Carers to please reinforce and support the College’s expectation around our school arrival time.
We have set the goal for all students to be in class within four minutes after morning Homeroom and within two minutes after recess and lunch. I’m pleased to report that we have shown we can achieve these expectations through a shared commitment and by students responding at the commencement of our warning music.
We encourage our students to see punctuality as a habit that builds character, a habit that will serve them well beyond their school years. Parents and Carers play a vital role in supporting this expectation by reinforcing morning routines and encouraging students to take personal responsibility for their timeliness.
Together, let us continue to build a culture where every moment of learning is valued, and where respect and responsibility are at the heart of all we do.
Fortes in Fide,
Cameron Hughes
Principal
Deputy Principal
Dear Members of the St John’s Catholic College Community,
From the Deputy Principal
As Term 3 comes to the end, we can reflect on a very busy and rewarding few months of learning and community life at the College. Looking ahead, Term 4 promises to be just as significant, with important events such as the Legacy of Boarding Mass of Friday of Week 1, the final House Cup competition, the Spelling Bee and Combined Doneley & O’Loughlin House Spirit Friday falling in Week 2. Year 12s will finish up attending formal classes on Friday 24th October with a Breakfast and Last Day Assembly. We will also gather for two of the most anticipated events of the year: the Presentation of Awards Evening on 17 November and the Graduation Mass & Dinner on 20 November, where we celebrate the hard work, growth, and achievements of our students.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program
As a College, we are continuing to transition towards full implementation of the BYOD Program. All students in Years 7–9, along with any student who has enrolled since 2023, are required to bring a personal laptop each day. By 2026, this expectation will apply to all students across the College.
We have noticed a number of middle school students are arriving without devices, which interrupts their learning. Please ensure your child brings their laptop each day, fully charged, with their charger available if needed in the last lesson of the day.
A laptop will generally last two to three years, which means a student may require more than one device across their time at the College. When choosing a device, we recommend the following minimum specifications:
- Windows 10 or higher
- 8GB RAM
- Wi-Fi capability
- 10-inch (or larger) screen size
- Good processor (Intel Core i5 / Ryzen 5 or higher)
- 3-year warranty (including battery)
- 256GB storage
- Microsoft Office and Adobe software recommended
Uniforms and Grooming
We thank families for their support in ensuring students wear their uniform with pride and meet our grooming standards. A few reminders:
- Hair: Long hair must be tied back neatly. Extreme cuts or colours are not permitted.
- Make-up: Only lightly applied natural foundation and mascara are acceptable. Eyeliner, heavy make-up, and nail polish are not permitted.
- Jewellery: One set of plain studs or sleepers in earlobes, a watch, one simple ring, and a thin chain with a Christian symbol are permitted. Facial piercings (including nose piercings) are not allowed.
- Henna: While henna can be appropriate in some cultural contexts, it should not be applied outside of these settings and must not be applied during school hours.
- Tattoos: Must not be visible.
Uniform
- Regular (Years 7–12): Red polo with white piping, navy shorts with red and white piping, black shoes (all black or black with white highlights only), and black or white socks.
- House Spirit Days (Fridays): Students wear their House shirts.
- Sports: Navy shorts with red/white piping and House-coloured polo (Burford green, Daley blue, O’Loughlin purple).
- Cold Weather: Navy jumper with red piping. No alternative colours or styles are permitted.
- Hats: As per Catholic Education NT policy, a St John’s hat (red/navy cap or bucket hat) must be worn.
SEQTA Reminder
SEQTA is our primary communication tool for families. Teachers regularly post updates, assessment information, and notices, but we have observed that many messages are not being read. We encourage all parents and carers to check SEQTA regularly to stay informed.
Celebrations and Looking Ahead
This week, we welcomed the Northern Territory Electoral Commission, who ran the official voting process for our 2026 School and House Captains. We look forward to announcing the successful candidates at the Presentation of Awards evening in November.
As Term 3 draws to a close, we encourage all students to take a well-earned rest during the break, ready to return for the final term of the year with focus and energy.
We are proud of the achievements of our students this term; whether in their learning, on the sporting field, or through service and leadership. Thank you to families for your ongoing partnership in supporting the values of our College community.
Kind Regards,
Rebecca Young
Deputy Principal
Assistant Principal: Teaching and Learning
Dear St John’s Catholic College Community,
Stage 2 Students
All Stage 2 school coursework must be completed by Friday, Week 10 Term 3. Week 1-3 of Term 4 is meant for refining if there is further feedback provided by the teachers.
Teachers will begin finalising grades, packaging and submitting of students’ work to the SACE Board for moderation in Week 1-3 Term 4. It is therefore crucial that all Stage 2 students complete and submit their assessment tasks by Friday this week. Non-submission of assessment tasks by the due date will result in an “I – Insufficient Evidence” grade which will detrimentally impact on the overall achievement of a student’s grade in the Stage 2 subject.
Year 10-12 Tracking
Teachers will undertake another round of tracking for all Stage 1 and Stage 2 subjects this week. Students will receive their tracking slips as early as Week 1 of Term 4 to inform them of their progress in the subject and towards the NTCET.
The College has set parameters that all senior students must meet in each year level to ensure successful completion of the NTCET. By the end of the academic year, students should demonstrate the following:
Year 10
- Achieve a minimum of 40 credits with a C or better at Stage 1.
- Successful completion of Stage 1 Exploring Identities and Futures.
- Successful completion of 1 x Stage 1 literacy unit.
- Demonstrate ability to succeed in senior study – majority of results at a C or better.
Year 11
- Achieve a minimum of 140 credits with a C grade or better at Stage 1.
- Successful completion of 2 x Stage 1 literacy unit.
- Successful completion of 1 x Stage 1 numeracy unit.
- Majority of results at a C grade or higher.
Year 12
- Achieve 60 credits with a C- or better at Stage 2.
- Successful completion of 200 credits to qualify for the NTCET.
- If aspiring for ATAR (university entrance score), qualify for the NTCET and undertake 90 credits at Stage 2.
The College may make recommendations for pathway changes if students do not meet the markers set, including Year 10, 11 or 12 over 2 years, conditional enrolment into the following year level, conversion from an ATAR to non-NTCET pathway etc.
Stage 2 Trial Exams Completed
Students undertaking a Stage 2 examinable subject had completed their trial exams in Week 9 this term. The trial exams aimed to familiarise students with the SACE exam conditions and rules, while also formatively assess their readiness for the external exams which contributes 30% of their overall grade.
Well done to all students involved in the trial exams for their active participation.
A reminder that the SACE examination timetable and oral examination timetable have already been published.
StudentsOnline – SACE Results portal for students
Year 12 students must log into StudentsOnline, the SACE results portal for students, in order to access their results and ATAR at the end of the year.
There are still students who have yet to tick ‘yes’ to the sharing preferences. By not doing this, you may restrict your result access to both the College and SATAC, which may result in not generating an ATAR.
https://www.sace.sa.edu.au/studying/your-sace/what-is-students-online
Year 9 and 10 Senior Pathways and Subjects Information Evening
The College invited parents / guardians of current Year 9 and 10 to the information evening on Thursday, Week 8 of this term. We received an overwhelmingly positive response from parents / guardians and students, with more than 20 families attending to learn more about the NTCET, ATAR, VET and potential subject offerings in 2026.
Thank you to all attendees for your participation and support. Please do not hesitate to contact the relevant members of the Teaching & Learning Team if you have any query.
VET Expression of Interest
Students interested in undertaking a VET course in 2026 must submit their expression of interest form to Ms. Tracey Ingui as soon as possible. VET courses are highly competitive with limited places available to students across the NT. Most places are on a first-in-first-served basis. It is crucial that Year 9-11 students send in their form quickly.
Teaching & Learning Team
The Teaching & Learning Team members for 2025 are as follows:
Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning Mr. Nelson Tio nelson.tio@nt.catholic.edu.au
Head of Faculty A Ms. Cherilyn Hughes cherilyn.hughes@nt.catholic.edu.au
Head of Faculty B Mr. Brayden Nheu brayden.nheu@nt.catholic.edu.au
Head of Faculty (RE) Ms. Carla Hayes carla.hayes@nt.catholic.edu.au
Inclusion Support Ms April Hoskin april.hoskin@nt.catholic.edu.au
VET/Careers Ms Tracey Ingui tracey.ingui@nt.catholic.edu.au
Please contact the relevant coordinators if you have questions.
Fortes in Fide,
Nelson Tio
Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning
Acting Director of Boarding
Dear St John’s Catholic College Community,
At the conclusion of Week 8, junior students attended a camp at Batchelor Outdoor Education Centre with a group of 14 students and staff. We departed on Saturday morning and arrived before lunch. The afternoon was filled with activities, including rock climbing, followed by swimming in the pool.
During rock climbing, some students were initially hesitant to participate. However, students who had previous experience last year demonstrated great support and encouragement to their peers. The activity began cautiously, but once staff suggested getting ice cream on the way back to school, students became more motivated. Approximately half of the students successfully completed the climb, while the remaining students cheered on their peers.
Following rock climbing, all students enjoyed swimming in the pool and engaging in water activities such as chasing each other and playing games. The afternoon continued with relaxed, recreational activities including beach volleyball, kicking a football, and trampoline fun. The evening was spent sharing dinner together in the common area, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
On Sunday, the final day of the camp, students participated in mountain biking. The juniors demonstrated remarkable stamina, completing three laps on the mountain bike track. It was encouraging to see our boarders fully engaged, supportive, and encouraging of one another. The junior students showed great spirit, creating memorable experiences that they will cherish and share with others for years to come—moments that are truly priceless.
Thanks to the staff who attended and preparing all equipment before camping. They are all participated with the activities and taking care the students throughout the camping.
We look forward to seeing everyone in Term 4 and wish everyone a well-deserved break to relax and reconnect with family and friends.
Kind Regards,
Eric Vargas
Acting Director of Boarding
Boarding dinner before travel day!
Assistant Principal: Religious Education
To our St. John’s community,
Mission Classes with Sr Jessika – Socktober
Recently, our middle school Religious Education classes have engaged with Sr Jessika to prepare for Catholic Mission Month. In preparation for Socktober, students have been learning about the work of Catholic Mission and reflecting on how they can contribute to a more just and compassionate world. These sessions have provided valuable opportunities for students to understand the call of the Gospel in practical ways and to recognise the importance of solidarity with those in need.
Year 7 and 8 Retreats
Our Year 7 and 8 students participated in retreat experiences facilitated by the NET Ministries team at the Darwin Botanical Gardens. The Year 7 theme, “Wonder: Discovering God in the Everyday”, invited students to encounter God in creation, relationships, and daily life. The Year 8 retreat, “Rise Up: Meaning and Purpose”, encouraged reflection on personal gifts, faith, and the ways in which young people are called to live with purpose. These retreats provided meaningful time for prayer, reflection, and community building.
Visit of the Apostolic Nuncio
We were privileged to welcome His Excellency, Archbishop Charles Balvo, Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, to our College. His presence was a reminder of our deep connection to the universal Church and of the mission entrusted to each of us as Catholic educators and students.
Thanksgiving Mass for the Legacy of Boarding
On Friday 10 October at 9:30 am, our College community will gather at St Mary’s Star of the Sea Cathedral for a Thanksgiving Mass celebrating the legacy of Boarding at the College. This occasion will be an opportunity to acknowledge and give thanks for the many students, families, and staff who have contributed to the rich tradition of Boarding over the years, and to prayerfully honour its place in the story of our College
Kind Regards,
Carla Hayes
Assistant Principal – Religious Education
NEWS HEADLINES
Daley House News
Daley team members met Week 10 to celebrate a successful Term 3 and talk about how to best use Term 4 to ensure 2025 team and personal goals are achieved.
At the end of Term 3, Daley House had a narrow lead in the 2025 House Cup competition. The House leaders challenged team members to continue to build the legacy in the final events by, ‘Turning Up, Having a Go, and Supporting Each Other’.
Daley students continued to make a positive contribution to the College throughout Term 3.
- Georgia Critchley was the College Champion in the 2025 Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee
- Daley students turned up in numbers to represent the College in inter school basketball, table tennis, soccer and touch rugby.
Team members also made the most of learning opportunities like the Year 7, 8 and 10 Retreats, R U Ok day lunch, Celtic Coaches Soccer Clinics and the Boarders’ Camp.
Dailey Deadly Awards were again presented to students with 100 percent attendance for Term 3 – we had a record number!
The team also gathered to hear 2026 leadership pitches from applicants for Daley House Captaincy. Congratulations to all those willing to contribute as ‘servant leaders’.
We take this opportunity to recognize our Year 12 students who are approaching a critical phase of their studies. We wish them well in the coming challenges. We will run a special assembly early in Term 4 to acknowledge their contribution to the Blue House!
Go Daley!
Ernie Fleming
Head of House for the Daley Team
Doneley House News
Dear families,
Term 3 continued to provide Doneley students with opportunities to show their enthusiasm, compassion and skills in a variety of ways. Students participated in activities for Science week, “Bullying No Way: National week of action”, house time activities and viewed House and College Captain speeches.
It has been fantastic to see our students working together as a house and encouraging others to do their best.
Some of our Doneley students also participated in Catholic Identity Retreat Days, the Apostolic Papal Nuncio visit, Catholic Cup tournament, and “R U OK” Day morning tea. Well done to those who have been making the most of the opportunities presented to them throughout Term 3.
Over the break, I encourage you to talk with your child about how they can continue to embrace opportunities at St. John’s Catholic College, and within Doneley House.
Wishing you all a restful and happy break.
Madeline Pruscino – Doneley House of House
The Burford Buzz
What a busy term for Burford students, so much has been happening. All students have been working hard completing assessment tasks and engaging with their learning at the College. As the weather begins to heat up, I would like to remind everyone to drink lots of water and try and wear a hat when you are outside.
We recently held House captain speeches and voting for our 2026 leaders. Well done to those who gave it a go, it can be very daunting speaking in front of a big group. Students enjoyed voting with the help of the NT electoral commission. We are all now waiting for the announcement early next term.
Over the holidays I would encourage everyone to rest and relax so that you can return with recharged batteries for a busy Term 4. Try to spend time with your family and friends doing activities that you enjoy.
See you next term,
Ms McGrath
YEAR 9 & 10 RETREAT
College Leaders Speech
Apostolic Nuncio's visit on 2nd September
Catholic Cup Basketball
Celtic Football Clinics Training
Table Tennis
Stage 2 Child Studies visited Murrupurtiyanuwu Catholic Primary School
